BCR 19. 

Central Mixed-Grass Prairie

American Avocet. Photo: USFWS

The Central Mixed-Grass Prairie extends from the edge of shortgrass prairie on the west to the beginning of tallgrass prairie and savanna-like habitat to the east. There are vast areas in this region converted extensively to agriculture as well as extensive areas of remaining high quality grassland in the Nebraska Sandhills and other sectors. The BCR includes some of the better remaining areas for Greater Prairie-Chicken and Dickcissel. Sandbars along the larger rivers host a large percentage of the continent's breeding Interior Least Terns. The region is an important spring migration area for American Avocet, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Wetlands concentrated in the Rainwater Basin and other areas, such as Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira, annually provide habitat for nearly 2 million ducks and 1 million geese. The mid-continent population of Northern Pintail and White-fronted Goose are particularly dependent on these wetland resources. However, wetland drainage and modification and sediment accumulation have jeopardized the integrity of these important landscape features.

Important Bird Areas in this BCR

Northern Pintail. Photo: USFWS

Central Platte River Valley and Rainwater Basin Area

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area including Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

Fort Sill Military Reservation

Foss Lake State Park

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, including Kirwin Reservoir

McCurtain County Wilderness Area

Niobrara Valley Preserve

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge 

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, including Great Salt Plains State Park

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge

Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge